Alex Rodriguez On WFAN: Cubs Playing Schwarber In World Series Is ‘Too Much Of A Risk’

NEW YORK (WFAN) — Slugger Kyle Schwarber will make a stunning return to the Cubs’ lineup in the World Series after missing virtually the entire season with a knee injury.

Schwarber tore the anterior cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament in his left knee during the third game of the season. He will serve as Chicago’s designated hitter in Game 1 of the Fall Classic at Cleveland.

Fox Sports’ Alex Rodriguez, appearing on Mike Francesa’s WFAN show Tuesday, said playing Schwarber in the series is a huge gamble by Cubs manager Joe Maddon.

“It’s going to be challenging … but this guy’s a hitter,” A-Rod said. “He’s got unbelievable talent, hand-eye coordination, tremendous power. As good as Rizzo and Bryant are, when you talk to the people that are with them every day, with the Cubs, they’ll tell you this guy is better than both of them potentially.

“My concern is more on the physical level,” Rodriguez added. ” … Right now, you’re in a country club in Arizona taking a few at-bats where the volume is probably at a 1, and then you’re going to take a flight to Cleveland, where you’re going to have weather in the mid 30s, low 40s, and being there with knee surgery — that’s a tall task. And for me, I would be concerned. It’s too much of a risk for me to take if it our decision.”

To listen to the full interview, in which A-Rod also discusses the Cubs benching Jason Heyward, the Indians’ running against Jon Lester and more, click on the audio player above.